[CamVideoQl]

Just a bit of info before I go on : I've been training dogs in basic obedience and house hold manners for 6 years. I've been actively involved in SAR and Schutzhund for a while as well. I've owned a few Pit Bulls and fostered many. I am a huge advocate of the breed and try to educate myself as much as possible as the years go on. There is still so much I do not understand but take any opportunity I can to learn more.

So, today I pick up a 4 month old pit bull puppy from a client who saw the dog get hit by a car on a major freeway 2 months ago. She rescued the dog, got him back to health and although she has been against pit bulls he has won her heart over..(BIG SURPISE RIGHT) and now she has decided to keep him

Anyway, the area of town this pup was found is known for holding dog fights and selling "game bred dogs". The pups ears are cut so short and his head is very small - like WEIRD looking small. He is a little longer it seems but maybe because he is leaner.

The client has agreed to keep him because he is great with her and the kids so far. She just wants to make sure she is taking all the right steps to have this puppy be the best possible. The only thing she said bothers her about him is the way he plays. I thought she just wasn't use to the "pit bull type play" but since I've had him here for the past few hours it is apparent he is NOT playing.

I've NEVER - in 6 years of training - seen a 4 month old puppy get so aggressive towards another dog. If I put him outside with the others he is fine - totally ignores them - but the SECOND one tries to sniff him or "challenge" him he goes into straight red zone. This dog literally weighs less than 20 lbs and is doing this to the older, bigger dogs. He has no fear when it comes to them. He walks around people very confident like but when he is around dogs or high social situations he kind of goes into anxiety mode until a dog brushes him then it's ALL CONFIDENCE.

So , my question is this. We have him at a young age and I can keep him for training as long as I need him. I know this dog is not going to be one that will grow up to love animals - just doesn't seem genetically possible but what is too much? How do I decide this dog can be awesome with people but will never be a dog-dog. The client understands the pit bull after a bit of research and knows their tendency to have a little animal aggression but since I've not personally seen it THIS young I don't know how to correct it. Do I let him be around older dogs who will put him in his place or do I keep him away from dogs all together. I do not want to treat this like I would a lab who is "testing the waters" with other dogs but I also dont want to treat it like he just pee'd on the floor.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This lady is really stepping out of her comfort zone. I want to make sure I do the best I can for her and Sebastian (the puppy).